Angola fuel protests lead to 22 deaths and mass arrests

At least 22 people have been killed and more than 1,200 detained in Angola during protests that began this week following the government’s decision to increase fuel prices.

A statement from the presidency on Wednesday indicated that 197 people were also injured in the incidents.

According to the office of President João Lourenço, the violence, which began on Monday, lasted for two days and spread from the capital, Luanda, to at least six provinces.

Price hike decision triggered violence

The government announced earlier this month that it was removing subsidies on diesel, increasing its price by more than 30%.

Following this decision, minibus taxis, a common mode of transportation for Angolans, raised their fares by up to 50%.

The presidential statement noted that dozens of shops were looted and vehicles were damaged in riots sparked by individuals reacting to the new fuel prices and the rising cost of living.

Army deployed to restore order

The statement recorded that the army was deployed to restore public order on the grounds that the riots had “triggered a widespread climate of insecurity.” No details were provided on how the deaths occurred.

Protests against the price hikes first erupted two weeks ago, with Human Rights Watch accusing the police of using excessive force against largely peaceful demonstrations.

The organization stated that police unnecessarily used tear gas and rubber bullets and assaulted protesters during these demonstrations.

Why does the oil-rich country import fuel?

Authorities are frequently accused of harshly suppressing protests to silence opposition in the country, which has been ruled for 50 years by the People’s Movement for the Liberation of Angola party since gaining independence from Portugal in 1975.

Although Angola is one of Africa’s largest oil producers, the country lacks sufficient refineries to meet domestic demand. Consequently, it imports diesel and gasoline at high prices.